What to Eat in London: 10 British Foods Every Visitor Should Try First

What should you eat in London? If this is your first trip to London, knowing what foods are worth trying can be harder than it should be.

This list focuses on classic British dishes that you can find easily, order with confidence and enjoy sincerely.

I’ve lived in London as an American for over a decade and these are the foods I recommend people visiting prioritize first.

if you only have 5 foods to try in london- make them these:

Fish and chips
Afternoon tea
Sunday roast
Full English breakfast
Sticky toffee pudding

british-foods-you-must-eat-in-london-bangers-and-mash list

Foods to Eat in London: The List

1. fish and chips

Golden and crispy batter, flaky white fish and creamy chips drizzled with salt and vinegar. Fish and chips on Fridays is one of the most popular foods to eat here. Americans, before you get too excited about the green mush you might see on the side, those are mushy peas, not guacamole!

2. Afternoon Tea

Scones with cream and jam, fluffy finger sandwiches and a selection of cakes, afternoon tea is a must-do experience in London. While most Brits are more likely to enjoy a simple cream tea (just scones and tea), the afternoon tea experience is a treat worth savoring.

If you want to add it to your list of things to do in London, start with our Best Afternoon Tea in London Guide to see the most reliable spots. And you’ll want to be sure to give us a read Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide Also.

british-foods-you-must-eat-in-london-list-mushy-peas-fish-and-chips

Things to Do in London in March-The Original Sweet Shop Chesterfield Mayfair Afternoon Tea

insider's-guide-to-bright-london-restaurants-in-london

Worried about where to eat in London?

You just don’t know where to go!

Get expert advice in our Insider’s Guide to London Restaurants.

Includes embedded Google Maps & managed by:

Environment
Cuisine
‘Best of’ List

3. sunday roast

Roast beef, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and gravy, this is a typical British meal. My British husband would happily eat it every Sunday! Many pubs serve it as a weekend special, so plan ahead if you’ll be here on Sunday. It’s best to book the more popular places first.

4. Banger and Mash

The sausages are served over creamy mashed potatoes with a creamy onion gravy. To me, this dish represents typical British comfort food. It’s delicious, filling and best enjoyed in a cozy pub. Honestly, I prefer it to Sunday Roast, unlike my husband!

5. Steak and Ale Pie

Tender beef cooked slowly in a thick beer sauce, wrapped in dry pastry. This is pub food at its best, served with mashed potatoes or chips and peas.

the-lifeboat-inn-thornham-norfolk-review-sunday-roast

6. Full English breakfast

Proper ‘fries’ include bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and black pudding. Full disclosure, I’ve been served black pudding many times and have never even tried it. So, don’t be nervous about it. You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to.

This is a serious breakfast that will keep you full for hours. However, it’s not something Londoners experience every day. They will most likely enjoy this big breakfast on the weekend or when going on vacation.

7. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Warm, sticky sponge cake drizzled with caramel sauce, usually served with cream or custard. This is one of the best desserts in England and is a must try. There are times when I can skip it on the menu, if I have room for one more dish.

8. Proper Bacon Butty

Soft white bread, crispy bacon, and ketchup or brown sauce. Yes, you read that right. It’s called ‘chocolate sauce’. Having lived in London as an American since 2013 and writing a blog that focuses a lot on culinary things to do in London, I still don’t know exactly what it is. But, I love it!

the-lifeboat-inn-thornham-norfolk-review-traditional-full-english-breakfast

british-foods-you-must-eat-in-london-sticky-toffee-pudding-list

9. Scotch eggs

Poached eggs wrapped in seasoned sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. It’s the ultimate pub snack. You hit the jackpot if you open it and the egg is a little runny. That’s a big thing for a chef to achieve!

10. chicken tikka masala

Believe it or not, this thick, spiced dish was created in England! It is considered by many to be the country’s national dish. London is a great place to try it. However, it is widely believed that it was ‘invented’ in Glasgow, Scotland.

British-foods-you-must-eat-in-london-scotch-egg-list

Food Tours in London:

If you really want to explore London like a foodie, consider taking a food tour. There are many options and I have done several. I love it because you also learn about local history and see areas of London that most people miss.

Where to Eat British Food in London:

If you’re looking for where to eat in London, here are five great restaurants for classic British cuisine. You’ll find a list like this (but BIGGER) in our Insider’s Guide to London Restaurants.

Rule– The oldest restaurant in London, famous for traditional British cuisine.
ivy– Stylish venue with a modern twist on a great British classic.
Knowledge of Soil– Fantastic gastropub with a selection of top class pub favourites. The owner is the famous British director, Guy Ritchie.
St. JOHN– Famous for fine dining and traditional British dishes.
Harwood Guns– London’s only Michelin-starred pub, offering top class British cuisine.
Poppies Fish & Chips– widely accepted as the best place in London for this dish

british-foods-you-must-eat-in-london-list-poppies-fish-and-chips

No Way and Yes Please!

One thing I will never eat is Jellied Eels. Yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like. The eel is cut into pieces, boiled and put in its own jelly. A traditional East London dish that has been around for centuries. There’s no way I can approach him.

And, my go-to treat for holidays, birthdays and special occasions is Beef Wellington. But, it has to be cooked perfectly, and this is very difficult to do.

While these ten dishes are a must-try, different regions of England have their own famous specialties. If you venture outside of London, take note:

Cornish pasties in Cornwall. Pasties are flaky pastries filled with meat and vegetables.
Haggis in Scotland. This is definitely an acquired taste but a true Scottish classic. That’s something I haven’t tried either! By choice.
Rare Welsh in Wales. You might be surprised to learn that this is a rich, cheesy toasted treat.

Final Thoughts on What to Eat in London

If you know where to go and what to eat in London, you will truly enjoy some amazing food! I’d love to know which one from the list you’d like to try. Leave a comment below!

London Travel Planning

London Travel Planner

1:1 Travel Consultation

london-travel planner-2026-bright London

Iconic London Trip Planner 3 days 2026

sunny-london-travel-planner-christmas-in-london-travel-planner

The Ultimate Christmas Guide in London

London Restaurant Guide

What to Eat in London: 10 British Foods Every Visitor Should Try First

if you only have 5 foods to try in london- make them these: